Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS RESEARCH DESIGN

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

The quality of road infrastructure plays a pivotal role in ensuring road

safety and overall transportation efficiency. Asphalt pavement, as a fundamental

component of road infrastructure, significantly influences driver behavior, vehicle

stability, and overall road safety metrics. However, despite the critical role of

asphalt pavement, there is a dearth of comprehensive empirical studies that

examine the direct correlation between pavement characteristics and road safety.

This study seeks to address this knowledge gap by conducting an in-depth

empirical investigation into the relationship between various asphalt pavement

attributes and key road safety metrics.

The analysis phase is where the relationship between pavement

characteristics and road safety metrics is scrutinized. Statistical methods and

regression analysis are employed to identify correlations, patterns, and potential

causality. Researchers aim to determine whether specific pavement attributes,

such as smoother surfaces or higher friction coefficients, are associated with

reduced accident frequency or less severe accidents. This analytical approach

allows for evidence-based conclusions about the impact of pavement quality on

road safety.
 This study utilized the Tennessee Pavement Management System (PMS)

and Accident History Database (AHD) to investigate the relationship between

accident frequency in highway segment and pavement distress variables.

Focusing on four urban interstates with asphalt pavements, divided median

types, and 55 mph speed limits, twenty-one negative binomial regression models

for various accident types were calibrated with different pavement distress and

condition variables including Rut Depth (RD), International Roughness Index

(IRI), and Present Serviceability Index (PSI). The modeling results indicate that

the RD models did not perform well, except for accidents at night and accidents

under rain weather conditions; whereas, IRI and PSI were always significant

prediction variables in all types of accident models. Comparing the three groups

of models goodness-of-fit results, it is found that the PSI models had a better

performance in crash frequency prediction than the RD models and IRI models.

This study suggests that PSI models should be considered as a comprehensive

method which can integrate both highway safety and pavement condition

measurements into the pavement management system.

Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in China have led to a

surge in construction and roadwork activities, but this growth has also brought a

high incidence of accidents and safety violations. Common problems include

insufficient worker training, inadequate use of personal protective equipment

(PPE), and weak enforcement of safety regulations. Workers are often exposed

to health risks due to prolonged contact with hot asphalt materials and asphalt

fumes without proper ventilation or respiratory protection. Addressing these

problems necessitates stricter safety oversight, improved training programs, the

provision of adequate PPE, and a heightened emphasis on worker safety

awareness. It is also crucial to conduct comprehensive research on the long-term

health effects of asphalt exposure to establish more effective safety standards in

the industry.

Japan's asphalt safety concerns revolve around the aging workforce in the

construction industry, where experienced workers are retiring, leaving behind a

knowledge gap in safety practices. Additionally, despite a generally strong

adherence to safety regulations, there are still challenges related to the safe

handling of hot asphalt materials, such as potential burns and exposure to fumes.

Ensuring that younger workers receive adequate training to bridge the skills gap

and promoting continuous safety awareness is crucial. Furthermore, with Japan's

focus on infrastructure development and road maintenance, maintaining a high

level of safety standards and investing in innovative safety technologies remains

essential to prevent accidents and protect the health of workers in the asphalt

industry.

In India, asphalt safety faces multifaceted challenges. The construction

and roadwork industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, but it

grapples with numerous safety issues, including a high rate of accidents and

inadequate worker training. There is often a lack of awareness among workers

about the potential hazards of working with hot asphalt, leading to avoidable

injuries. Additionally, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is not

consistently enforced, exposing workers to health risks from fumes and contact
with hot materials. To address these problems, India needs to strengthen safety

regulations, enhance training programs, enforce the use of PPE, and raise

awareness about safe practices. Investment in research regarding the health

effects of asphalt exposure and the development of innovative safety

technologies can play a crucial role in improving asphalt safety standards in the

country.

Singapore has made significant strides in ensuring asphalt safety in its

construction and roadwork industry. However, challenges remain, including the

risk of accidents due to the use of hot asphalt materials and the exposure to

fumes. Ensuring the well-being of workers through adequate training and the

enforcement of safety measures is crucial. Singapore's commitment to strict

safety regulations has helped mitigate these issues, but continued vigilance is

necessary to maintain high safety standards. Embracing emerging technologies

and promoting a culture of safety awareness will further enhance asphalt safety

in the country, ensuring that its infrastructure development and road maintenance

projects remain safe for workers and the public alike.

The DPWH has already carried out a technical evaluation of the condition

of the road network, particularly in Metro Manila. As a matter of fact, this morning

we were just talking about how San Marcelino, Romualdez, Nagtahan, Quirino

(Avenues in Manila), you name it—roads heavily frequented by laden trucks—

bear the brunt of the damage, said Singson. It appears that asphalt will not be

effective on certain roadways. In order to use reinforced concrete on these

segments, we are increasing our requirements. Out of a total budget of P104.9

billion for road construction and maintenance in 2012, P82.1 billion is allocated to

the DPWH. The agency builds, maintains, and repairs national arterial and

secondary roads, as well as national bridges; the remainder goes to flood control

and "other projects."

Guardo said only four teams are currently working on the P70 million

asphalting project; however, the city government is eyeing to add two more

teams to expedite the road works. The councilor added that there is an urgent

need to fast-track the implementation of the project since numerous accidents

have already occurred due to uneven road surfaces. Guardo further said that the

nonstop rain brought by the intermittent weather in the last few weeks has

caused delays in their project. This week, Guardo said overlaying of asphalt will

be implemented in Barangays Lahug, Mabolo, Kamputhaw, Sambag 1, Ermita,

Zapatera, Carreta, T. Padilla and Talamban in the North District. South District

Barangays such as Guadalupe, Labangon, Tisa, Mambaling, Pardo, Basak San

Nicolas, Cogon Pardo, Inayawan, Buhisan, Kalunasan, Calamba and Bonbon will

also be included in the road asphalting project this week, said Guardo. The

councilor also clarified that the project is not violative of the existing spending

ban imposed by the Commission on Elections.

This quantitative research study, "An empirical investigation of asphalt

pavement characteristics and their correlation with road safety metrics," is

conducted to address a critical and pressing concern in transportation and

infrastructure management. The quality and condition of asphalt pavement

directly impact road safety, and understanding the precise nature of this
relationship is crucial for informed decision-making and effective road

maintenance strategies. By rigorously examining the correlation between specific

pavement attributes and road safety metrics, this study seeks to provide

empirical evidence that can inform policymakers, transportation authorities, and

urban planners. The findings of this research have the potential to not only

enhance the safety of road users but also optimize resource allocation, reduce

accidents, and improve overall road network sustainability. Ultimately, this

investigation aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of transportation

engineering, aiding in the development of safer and more resilient road systems

for communities worldwide.

The quantitative research study, "An empirical investigation of asphalt

pavement characteristics and their correlation with road safety metrics," explores

the relationship between specific attributes of asphalt pavement and road safety

outcomes. Through meticulous data collection and analysis, the research seeks

to determine whether there is a significant correlation between factors like

asphalt pavement quality, condition, and smoothness, and road safety metrics

such as accident rates, near-miss incidents, and perceived safety. This study's

objective is to provide empirical evidence that can inform transportation

authorities, policymakers, and urban planners on how to enhance road safety

and optimize resource allocation for road maintenance. Ultimately, the research

aims to contribute to the development of safer and more sustainable road

networks, with potential implications for improving the well-being of communities

through reduced accidents and enhanced infrastructure quality.

 THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

This study seeks to investigate the relationship between road safety

metrics and asphalt pavements characteristics in selected Urban Barangays of

Mandaue City. Specifically, this study will seek answers to the following:

1. Determine the Asphalt Pavement Characteristics in terms of:

a) Pavement Quality;

b) Pavement Condition;

c) Pavement Smoothness.

2. Determine the level of road safety metrics in terms of:

a) Accident Rates;

b) Near-miss accidents;

c) Perceived Driver’s Safety.

3. Determine the relationship between the asphalt pavement characteristics of

the Urban Barangays and level of road safety metrics of the respondents.

Research Hypothesis

The following hypotheses were formulated to guide this study:

H0 = There is no significant relationship between the asphalt pavement

characteristics of selected Urban Barangays in Mandaue City and rod safety

metrics

H1 = There is a significant relationship between the asphalt pavement

characteristics of selected Urban Barangays in Mandaue City and rod safety

metrics

Research instrument

Data gathering

Statistical treatment

Scoring procedure

Performance of architecture plates

- table 2

Research Respondents
The sample chosen for this study will be 150 Mandaue City Resident and drivers
who are at least eighteen years of age, who shall have experience driving in any asphalt
pavement in their respective selected barangays. There will be at least 30 respondents
who shall come from the following Barangays: Jagobiao, Casili, Tabok, Basak, and
Paknaan. The 30 respondents must be a resident and a driver who must have experience
on driving on any asphalt pavement roads on their respective Barangays.
Distribution of Respondents
City/Municipality Barangay Number
Mandaue City Jagobiao 30
 Mandaue City Casili 30
Mandaue City Basak 30
Mandaue City Tabok 30
Mandaue City Paknaan 30

Data collection
The data collection method that will be used is online survey. The reason for
choosing this method is that they are used to gather information such based upon the
behaviours, characteristics, or opinions, and demographic information such as gender,
income, and occupation. Question types include categorical (e.g. “yes/no”) and
interval/ratio questions (e.g. rating-scale, the SLikert-scale) (Chipeta, 2020). Using
Google Forms, it will be directly sent to the participants.
Data Analysis
Data analysis is the process that most differentiates quantitative from qualitative research
(Donald et al ,2006). The data will be divided into two groups: Answers that will be
submitted by the residents who uses social media for primary source of information in
political ingestion, and answers that will be submitted by the residents who do not use
social media for primary source of information in political ingestion. Independent t-test
will be used as statistical data analysis method in determining the difference between the
two groups.